The Watchdog reported on first-class travel, luxury hotels, $49 entrees and other expenses in March, eliciting anger from many taxpayers.

On April 25, the port issued a statement saying the policy was “appropriate and responsible” and would not be amended.

Scott Peters, a port commission member and Congressional candidate who pays his own way on port business, said last week that the statement surprised him. He said he would ask port commission members at today’s meeting to re-examine the travel policy.

The same day as Peters made that statement, Port Chairman Lou Smith sent a memo to commissioners saying that staff would review the policy — and that process would be accelerated for commission review in July or August.

“I appreciate the board’s understanding and cooperation as we move forward with the staff in ensuring the district’s travel policy is exemplary,” Smith wrote.

The Watchdog’s report found that costs climbed from $416,100 last year to $713,400 this year even though finance officials warned the agency was in budgetary “survival mode.” While awaiting word on policy changes, The Watchdog has sought public records of the most recent travel approved or undertaken by the agency.